Dr. Nawal Shrestha
Research Associate in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University

Title: Understanding the Distribution of Life on Earth: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective

Abstract: Diverse species assemblages are evident in certain geographic regions and ecological communities, while others exhibit comparatively limited species richness. Notably, tropical areas demonstrate a pronounced richness in species diversity when contrasted with higher latitude. This latitudinal gradient of species diversity has captivated biologists since the early 19th century, with ongoing heated debates within the disciplines of ecology and biogeography concerning the mechanisms underlying this pattern. While prevailing hypotheses emphasize the role of contemporary environmental factors, a growing body of evidence underscores the significant contribution of evolutionary history in shaping patterns of species diversity. Tropical mountains, in particular, exhibit remarkable richness in species diversity, encompassing a third of all terrestrial species. Drawing upon the distribution of two genera, Rhododendron and Gaultheria within the Ericaceae family, this talk elucidates the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving diversity of species in the tropics, with a particular focus on tropical and subtropical mountains.

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